bareback

Calgary, AB- The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth has come and gone for another year and what a show it was! Over one million people came through the gates onto the grounds by day nine, and 140,000 alone on day nine.

The Calgary Stampede committee was able to create perfect barrel racing ground to bless us with one hell of a horse race, showing us fast times all week and resulting in a new arena record, set by Tiany Schuster on Showmance.

The 2010 sorrel gelding who is by First Smart Money and out of Blue Baby Cash, (double Dash for Cash bred) was purchased by Christine Lollis as a three year old out of the Lance Graves sale and trained him. He was then purchased by Tiany and her boyfriend.

Over the ten days of Calgary, Schuster won $111,750 total earnings, with $61,750 counting towards the Womans Professional Rodeo Association standings (half of the $100,000 plus week earnings), allowing her to create a new season earnings record in the WPRA! I look forward to watching this duo inside the Thomas and Mack this December at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Texas cowboy, Cory Solomon had one of the fast times of the week in to win the tie-down roping champion title and the $100,000 cheque with a 6.7 run.

Tyler Waguespack won the steer wrestling with a 3.8, and Canadian Cody Cassidy won second with a 4.0, good enough for a $25,000 cheque.

Richie Champion reminded us that its not just his last name that makes him one, showing up with a 90.5 on C5’s Virgil for $100,000.

It was a three-peat for Big Valley’s own Zeke Thurston in the saddle bronc, he post a 92 point ride on Get Smart, while fellow Albertan Layton Green rode Wild Cherry for 91.5 and the second place cheque.

World champion Sage Kimzey matched up with Night Moves which was awesome to watch! He rode for 91 points, while Garrett Smith took a re-ride on Compton Bound and was a close second with 90.5 points for the $25,000 cheque.

It was great to see Mellissa Hollingsworth back on CBC commentating during the barrel racing and covering interviews with our rodeo athletes. She did a fantastic job, as did Ron McLean, Mark Lee, Bob Tallman, and Scott Byrne who was a new addition whom I hope becomes a main fixture over the ten days of Stampede next year.

Final four results below, as well as other 2017 Calgary Stampede champions.

Calgary, AB- Due to J.B Mauney’s injury from his round win yesterday afternoon in day four of pool B, Canadian Brock Radford will be advancing to Championship Sunday to take Mauney’s spot.

After his 90.5 ride on Cowahbunga, Mauney was knocked out, stepped on and then transported to hospital. He sustained a dislocated right shoulder and will not be competing on Sunday.

From Wildcard Saturday we are seeing two Canadians advancing. One from the tie-down roping being Logan Bird who was second in the round this afternoon with a 7.9 behind Cade Swor who ran a 7.8.

The second Canadian advancing will be Curtis Cassidy who won the steer wrestling this afternoon with a 3.4. Behind Curtis was Ty Erickson with a 3.5.

In the bareback there was a three way tie for second place, but Calgary goes by money accumulated through out the rounds so J.R Vezain will be advancing with Steven Peebles who ha da 90 point spur ride on You See Me.

The saddle bronc riding the field was full of the Wright family. Only Ryder Wright will be advancing from the pack, alongside Cort Scheer to Championship Sunday.

It was a fantastic barrel race to watch this afternoon! Kassie Mowry started off with a 17.230, then we saw Jackie Ganter run a 17.120 on Baby J, and THEN Amberleigh Moore ran out of the pen, guns a’blazin’ with a 17.090 to win the round and move to Championship Sunday. Canadian Nancy Csabay finished fourth this afternoon with a beautiful run on Wicked finishing her stampede with a 17.320.

Finally in the bull riding it was Cody Teel who rode Double Down for 89.5 and Mike Lee who rode All About You for 86. Canadian Jordan Hansen finished third just a half point behind Mike Lee with a 85.5.

Full Wildcard Saturday results below courtesy of Calgary Stampede.

To see who each of the top two from today will be competing against tomorrow afternoon, click this link!

As Jake Vold made the first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo victory lap of his career, the three time Canadian champion’s grin lit up the Thomas and Mack Arena. And why not—his 89.5 score on the back of Flying U Rodeo’s Lil Red Hawk was the highest marked ride to date in the bareback riding and netted the Airdrie cowboy a cool first place cheque for $26,230 to raise his total WNFR earnings to $48,782 and jump him to fifth place in the average.

But Vold made it clear that it’s the go-round buckle that is the icing on the cake. “I was close a couple of times the last time I was here but didn’t quite get there,” Vold admitted.

“I saw some of the guys this week with their buckles and I thought to myself, I want one of those,” the 29 year old superstar added. “Canada will be pretty excited about this. It’ll be quite the night over there.” (at the nightly buckle presentation at the South Point Casino).

Inglis, Manitoba’s Orin Larsen had his best result to date, posting an 83 on J Bar J’s Pass the Hat to finish just one half point out of the bareback riding money.

On the best night so far for ‘TeamCanada’, a pair of saddle bronc riders enjoyed a lucrative round four as well. Jake Watson of Hudson Hope, British Columbia put together a solid 84 point effort on the Calgary Stampede’s Tokyo Bubbles to split 3/4 and collect $13,326 on the night. Right behind Watson was Zeke Thurston whose 83.5 on United Pro Rodeo’s Ropin Dreams netted the Big Valley cowboy a 5/6 split and $5500. The third Canadian bronc rider fared less well. Canadian champion, Clay Elliott was unable to navigate eight successful seconds on the back of United Pro Rodeo’s Pow Wow Nights.

The dream sequence that has been the Ryder Wright story of the WNFR continued as the 18 year-old became just the second rough stock cowboy in the history of the event to win four consecutive rounds outright. (The other was two time world champion Robert Etbauer in 1991). In round four, the amazing teenager who is riding here with his brother, his dad, and three uncles (qualifier CoBurn Bradshaw married into the family in 2013) spurred out an 85.5 points on Flying Five Rodeo’s Sundance.

The Utah teenager, who cam to the Finals in 14th place, is now just a thousand dollars out of the lead for the world and sits comfortably in the lead in the average while season leader and defending champion, Jacobs Crawley, bucked off his round four horse.

Team ropers Levi Simpson of Ponoka and Jeremy Buhler of Arrowwood kept their solid run going despite catching one leg on the backside to incur their second five second penalty in a row. Tonight, however, saw several teams struggle with six no times and a broken barrier leaving the Alberta duo splitting 6th for a $2115 payday per man. The ‘go-round from hell’ , while costly for so many, including Barrhead’s Kolton Schmidt and his Texas partner, Shay Carroll, was especially beneficial for Simpson and Buhler as the first all-Canadian team to qualify for the NFR team roping climbed all the way to second place in the cash-rich average. The round was won by the Minor brothers, Riley and Brady Minor of Ellensburg, Washington with a 4.4 second run.

In the steer wrestling, the big man from Appleton, Minnesota, J.D. Struxness, followed up a 1/2 split in the third round with a 3.8 run in round four to win it outright this time around. And in the tie down roping, Marty Yates, the Stephenville, Texas hand was just two tenths of a second off Cody Ohl’s arena record to pocket the big cheque. Yates who qualified for the WNFR in 15th place was 6.8 seconds for the go-round victory. The barrel racing got blazing fast as Michelle McLeod of Whitesboro, Texas smoked a run of 13.49 to post her first go-round win of the 2016 Finals.

Jake Vold wasn’t the only Canadian to collect the go round buckle on this night. The Calgary Stampede’s Wranglers Extreme was top bull of the round as he carried Sulphur, Oklahoma’s Brennon Eldred to 86.5 points and the win. The seven year-old bull was purchased by the Stampede in the spring from Todd Braithwaite and just three weeks ago carried eventual Canadian Champion, Jordan Hansen to a second place go round result with an 85 score.

The performances of Stampede stock added to an already productive week for the organization’s stock contracting division. Earlier in the week, it was announced that the Stampede had been named the primary stock contractor for Horse Heaven Round Up in Kennewick, Washington.

“We already have a major presence in the Pacific Northwest at that time,” Stampede spokesman Keith Marrington related, “so this fits really well with our program. Kennewick is a very progressive committee; they have $20,000 added and a short round so we’re very excited to become the primary stock contractor there.”

Outlaw Buckers’ Rodeo’s No Good Deed was also outstanding in the round as he bucked off NFR rookie Rory Maier from Timber Lake, South Dakota.

The 2015 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will showcase six of our talented Canadians. In 2010 Canada had six qualified but only five competed since Rod Hay got hurt in Innisfail. Before that it was 2008 when 6 competed at the Thomas and Mack in Las Vegas Nevada.

*Matt Cohen Photography

Deb Guelly of Okotoks, Alberta competed at 77 qualifying rodeos to slide into 15th position just in the nick of time with $59,769.17, securing her spot to the WNFR! In September alone, she brought home just over $17,000! Deb just finished running at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, Alberta on Bobbie Goodwin’s horse Sonnie taking home a couple go round wins! Her total 2015 season earnings were $51,016.06 putting her third overall. Deb’s full interview can be found here.

Ric Anderson Ohoto. Clint Laye at Cheyenne Frontier Days Short Go

Cadogan, Alberta cowboy Clint Lay ehad a solid season. He won $24,250 at Houston & $100,000 at The Calgary Stampede this year. Sadly, both rodeos didn’t count for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Standings the same as it does for the Womens Pro Rodeo Association, but Laye made his season count and is headed to the WNFR in 13th position with $80,307.44 won. I did an interview with Clint earlier in the year, which you can check out here.

Tanner at Calgary

Tanner Milan of Cochrane Alberta heads to the WNFR in 13th position in the Steer Wrestling with $66,326.67 banked from PRCA rodeos. Tanner’s two round wins and reserve championship in Red Bluff, CA helped him stay in the running for a WNFR qualification. Milan just finished up at the Canadian Finals Rodeo with a grand total of $49,420.30 banked as total season earnings in the CPRA.

Mike Copeman Photography

Zeke Thurston of Big Valley Alberta sits 11th in the Saddle Bronc PRCA standings with $72,278.18. It was his first season as a pro, and a huge season it has been! Thurston took home the $100,000 Calgary Stampede Championship Cheque , set an arena record at Tucson with a 90-point ride, and cashed in $50,000 as the BP Super Series Saddle Bronc Champ at RodeoHouston though he came into the event as an alternate!

Tyrel Larsen at San Antonio Photo by Greg Westfall

Tyrel Larsen of Inglis, Manitoba ended the season in 15th position in the Saddle Bronc with $61,171.86. He was only $573 ahead of Chad Ferley to be headed to the Finals.

Orin at Houston Rodeo Photo by Impulse Photography

Orin Larsen also of Inglis, Manitoba heads to Sin City in the 10th spot in the Bareback with $81,627.04 to his name, whose biggest check this year came out of Salt Lake City, UT for $11,000!

What was your favorite rodeo you competed at this year and why?

Clint “Favorite 2015 rodeo would have to be Caldwell Idaho, I drew two of the toughest horses there(Big Show)(Craig at Midnight) and won it.”

Tanner “My favorite rodeo for 2015 would have to be the Calgary Stampede. Its a rodeo I really enjoy going to cause its pretty much a home town rodeo for me and I’ve always got a lot of support from family and friends plus the money that is up there is incredible. It’s also nice to be in one spot for at least 4-5 days and not have to worry about loading the horses up right after were done and driving my butt off all night to another rodeo. It’s just nice to hang out and relax and spend a little time at home with family.”

Zeke “My favorite rodeo of 2015 would have to be Calgary I think. Not just because I won it but it’s the biggest rodeo you will attend all year. It’s a well run and operated production and it’s nice to spend the week there with everyone in one spot not having to be driving to another rodeo.”

Tyrel “Not sure if I had a single favorite rodeo this year but the 4th of July run is always my favorite time of year because you’re at at least one rodeo everyday for about ten days and at times you don’t know where you’ll be there next day. It’s a lot of traveling and a lot of horses. Just a really exciting time of year.”

Orin “It’s difficult to pinpoint one rodeo as my favorite rodeo to go to year after year. But I think I would have to say Pendleton, Oregon. Pendleton is so rich in history and a unique set up, with the old fashioned wooden chutes and the arena full of grass. It’s definitely a rodeo to remember.”

What have you been doing to prepare yourself mentally and physically before Vegas?

Clint “To prepare for the WNFR I have been going to the gates crossfit here in Pocatello Idaho every morning, eating good and staying on top of supplements and vitamins to keep my body feeling good. The CFR was a really good warm up to test new equipment and get all the bobbles out.”

Tanner “Mentally I’ve been talking to both my brothers Baillie and Straws, Curtis Cassidy and Lee Graves. Baillie has been there 3 or 4 times as a hazer and the other 3 as competitors. They’ve help me out with what to expect, how fast the start is down there and how sharp you need to have your horses and yourself. They tell me there’s no room for error on getting a good start and catching up quickly. Physically just been practicing a lot as much as I can. Just trying to keep myself sharp and also my horses.”

Zeke “I just go about my everyday life as normal I guess. I ride lots and do lots of cattle work. On top of that I rope quite a bit too. I’m not real big into working out. I do T25 just to kinda stay in shape and maintain good health. I found out my saddle I usually ride in broke and the tree has spread so I have a new one set up. I’ll get on some practice horses be for the NFR just to get things dialed in.”

Tyrel “To prepare for the finals I’ve been working out lots getting my body ready for ten horses in ten days as well as getting on some practice horses to stay positive and confident. I feel prepared mentally and physically.”

Orin “My physical training for the finals consists of running and lifting. I get on some horses every now and then to keep me sharp, feeling confident and to make sure my equipment is holding up well. As for the mental standpoint I stay positive and optimistic. I’m going to walk into the Thomas and Mack oblivious to everything around me and not let the bright lights take over my mind and ability.”

What is the best piece of rodeo advice you would give to a person who wants to qualify for the WNFR?

Clint “The best advice I have for someone wanting to chase a WNFR is that you have to put everything you got into it, it’s a full time job. The harder you work the better your odds are.”

Tanner “The best piece of advice I could give a person is that you gotta be all in or nothing you cant half ass it, you gotta have a great attitude you cant get down on yourself cause its eats at ya. You gotta keep your chin off your chest and realize you’ve got another one to run the next day that counts just as much as the ones in previous days. You also got to get in with a good crew of guys ones that don’t dwell on every mistake they make. Pick out the positives and learn from them, and practice. I can’t preach that enough to more you practice the sharper you’ll be day in and day out.”

Zeke “Anyone pursuing their dream of making the finals whether you’re a young kid or have been at it a while I’d just say to get in with a good group of guys that have been there and know what it takes to get there let them show you how the business side of how things work. I’d also say to never lose hope and sight of what you are working towards. Just because you might not make it your first year out the doesn’t mean it’s over. They have a finals every year. You just gotta figure out how to get there.”

Tyrel “The best piece of rodeo advice I could give to someone would be that no matter what happens, to always stay confident even when you aren’t winning or drawing good.”

Orin “My advice to everyone who looking to chase any dream is to be dedicated, work hard, and be disciplined. I have dedicated my whole life and put in everything I had into my career to get where I want to be today. You have to be willing to take risks and work hard to do whatever it takes to satisfied with your successes, rodeo is not a sport you can do half heartedly, you have to put in 120% in everything every time. When you ride successfully at a rodeo; be proud and praise yourself. When you know you didn’t do as well as your able to, discipline yourself, fix your mistakes and go back to being optimistic.”

What is your favorite pair of cowboy boots?

Clint “My favorite pair of boots would be the ones I’m riding on right now because they have won me the most money out of any other pair, but there about to fall apart on me.”

Tanner “My favorite cowboy boots are Ariat, that’s all I wear, either the Cobolts or At’s.”

Zeke “I wear a black pair of ostrich skin nocona boots.”

Tyrel “I suppose I wear a lot of Justin Boots”

Orin “Ariat”

Sponsor shout outs & special Thank-Yous:

Clint “More than anyone I would like to thank my family my dad Darcy and mom Terry for all there backing, Billy and Marci Laye. If I didn’t have the family I did I would not be where I’m at right now.”

Tanner ” I’d like to thank my sponsor Lyle Kurtz with CVS Controls, Cactus Equine Equipment, and Wrangler shirts and Jeans. and also my family Mom Roxanne, Dad Murry and my brothers Baillie and Straws. With out them it would be a tough tough go. I also like to thank Curtis Cassidy for the use of his hazing horse TUFFY that he lent me all summer long, that was a huge help. And all my friends out there that have been in my corner, thanks so much.

Zeke “I would just like to thank everyone that has been behind me all year. So many people would come up to me somewhere and say they were pulling for me, and that means a lot. I have great friends and family and am very blessed that way. I also would like to thank Cinch jeans and shirts for keeping me looking sharp all year.”

Tyrel “I just want to thank everyone north and south of the border for all of the support my brother and I have received. I’m extremely grateful for the amount of people who have helped us get to where we are today.”

Orin “The one thing that has helped get to the NFR is the support. From my family, friends north and south of the border and my girlfriend this dream couldn’t be possible. I have never taken the love and support for granted. Every time I think about it I still get blown away. From the bottom of my heart thank you to everyone who’s helped me along the way.”

By now, if you follow the Canadian Pro Rodeo Association, or Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, you have probably heard of the Flow Riders. Known for their flowing mane, RC Landingham, Clint Laye and JR Vezain are some of the best Bareback riders of the sport. Though they have recently cut their locks off, they will still be known for their wild rides and rank spurring.

Currently it’s been just JR and Clint hitting the trail, RC will be back after Easter as he has taken some time off due to a rib injury. While RC has been away, Clint has been kicking ass and taking names. I really feel like its his year to shine which is really exciting for our Canadian from Cadogan, Alberta! Clint most recently won Rodeo Austin with a 88 and a check worth $9,803. And just before that he was second at Rodeo Houston taking home a whopping $24, 250. Sadly in the PRCA that (Rodeo Houston) doesn’t count towards world standings like it does in the WPRA, shooting barrel racer Nancy Hunter to first place with her rodeo count being just 1! Regardless, Clint is on a hot streak and is currently sitting inside the Top 15! #Canadasgotgame

JR is no stranger to being at the top. He has qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo twice and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo three times! This winter he’s cashed in roughly $10,000, but I have no doubt his season will pick up and we will see him in Vegas yet again!

Clint Laye winning his Super Series at Rodeo Houston

How long have each of you been riding for, and how did you get into rodeo and riding bareback?

Clint – I started riding the spur board and working at it when is was 14 got on my first horse when I was 15, my whole family is a rodeo based family. Billy Laye was a bareback rider, he taught me how to ride and still helps guide me.

JR – I rode sheep and steers since I was 4, and when I was too old to ride steers and didn’t have a helmet for bulls, I decided to be bareback rider. All I have ever wanted to be was a cowboy never wanted to be a football player or any other kind of athlete. I have always lived & breathed Cowboy.

How did you all start travelling together?

“We first met each other at the National High School Finals in 2010, JR was a Senior I (Clint) was a sophomore. A couple of years later when we were going pro we had the same travel plans with Canada and the US so it worked out and we’ve been best pards ever since.”

“Being in Texas for two months made us miss home this winter. We love being entered up and keeping busy so we don’t usually miss it too much. When we go home after three days we end up missing the road.”

What has been your favourite town you’ve been through?

Clint – I really like traveling through or in California in the spring, get a taste of the sunshine.

JR – Lamar Colorado because that means I’m headed north and the years about to start.

Favourite Rodeo to ride at?

Clint – I like riding at Calgary Stampede because it’s right after the 4th and I get a break to relax and ride at home. Wainwright is hometown rodeo.

Clint at the 2014 Calgary Stampede. Photo by Mike Copeman

JR – San Juan California, San Antonio, Pendleton, Calgary Stampede, besides the NFR and Canadian Finals. Cody Wyoming is really good to because it’s hometown rodeo.

JR at Cheyenne in 2013

Most memorable ride thus far in your careers?

Clint – When I rode Power Play of Andrews the other night at Austin, because it’s a big strong bucker and I felt like I earned it.

JR – First and Tenth round that I won of my first NFR, and when I spurred Dirty Jacket and won San Antonio.

Whats it like living in a van most of the year with 2-3 dudes?

“Living out of our van is pretty awesome. We have a tv and Xbox in there. We love it! It means we’re rodeoing and doing what we love.”

How do you keep in shape and eat healthy while on the road?

“We pay for drop-ins or day passes at gyms in town we pass through. We are currently getting hooked on a new meal plan from Gavin Glye to help out, and we take a lot of vitamins. We’ve both completely quit drinking and seen that makes a huge difference with making us feel better.”

What sort of tips do you guys have for keeping a sharp mental game that you could pass on to barrel racers?

“We read some mental books including Mind Gym and stay positive towards everything. We help each other to keep up. The harder that you work the better results you will see is what it boils down to. Stay on top of everything.”

What are your goals for the 2015 season?

“Our goals are set very high for this year. Three of us chasing #goldbuckledreams in Vegas. Don’t ever set your goal to make the NFR or CFR, you have to shoot higher. Make it the Canadian Title, or World Title.”

What are your future plans for when you hang up your rigging?

Clint – My future plans are always changing, but I like to work with wood and build. Maybe I would build houses one day.

JR – I want to own a winter place in Arizona where I can raise train and sell performance horses, and a place back at home with cattle. Have both of my places making me money, and to raise a family starting my own generation of red-headed cowboys.

Who is the better singer?

“JR sings the most.. like every song that comes on, but sounds like a pack of dogs barking.”

“Clint on the other hand sounds like mixture of Fergie and Jesus, but doesn’t sing as much.”

Clint and JR on their hunting trip last fall

Who snores the loudest?

“We are both very peaceful sleepers and don’t snore. It’s beautiful.”

What is your favourite brand of Cowboy Boots?

Clint – I wear almost all girl boots to ride in because they are lighter, Toni Lamas at the time but pretty much whatever looks sharp.

JR – I wear Barstows because they fit my foot really well, are single stitched, and have a good strong riding heel because I spur hard!

➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳

Clint is sponsored by Wrangler and Bozco, while JR is sponsored by Barstow, Wapiti Ridge Outfitters, and Pan Good Trucking.

Be sure to follow their Facebook Page The Flow Riders to see how they’re doing, and where they will be next!